Trip to Portugal and Helena's wonderful trip planning!
Portugal | May 10 - May 17, 2025

L
lisa s.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2025

Helena really was amazing and I loved the trip she planned for my family and I in Portugal. We visited Porto, Lisbon and Algarve. Just a few comments: I would have liked a little more communication after I paid the trip fees. I didn't realize I was supposed to download a travel app (which I wasn't able to do while I was in Europe for some reason), but thankfully my husband was able to do so. I also didn't realize that I never received detailed itinerary (like times and places to meet for excursions), so we actually missed the first excursion planned and I was a bit stressed out. This was a miscommunication and while I take some blame for not understanding the process as a first time Kim Kim user, it would have been nice to have more communication about this. Also, it would have been nice to know a 24/7 phone number for Kim Kim ahead of time in case of emergency...it took us some time to find numbers/emails while frantic about the itinerary when we first arrived after a long trip of travel to the destination.

One of the 3 hotels I stayed at needed significant renovations (which was agreed to by the staff) and the service was lacking for a 5 star hotel. Also, a second excursion was cancelled due to a prearranged bicycle race that shut down the roads (you would think that the excursion provider would have notified the travel agency ahead of time about this).

However, enough about the critiques...this trip was truly amazing and one that I will never forget in my lifetime and my family members agree. I would definitely use Kim Kim again for my next trip and I would definitely use Helena again for my future planning. We Loved the hotel in Lisbon and Porto and the excursions and transportation planned were awesome picks! I truly want to thank Helena for everything.

Hotel Reviews
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos

Not to the standards of a 5 star hotel. The 2 bedroom apartments needed renovation. The first room they booked us in was extremely dirty. Cigarette butts on the stairwell from the patio going to the roof top. Stains on the carpet and the chairs and couch. The entire apartment needed updating (which staff admitted to). Location was decent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near amazing water views and walking paths (not beaches or direct access to the water though)
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms
Pestana Porto - A Brasileira
Porto

Great location. Wonderful hotel. I would stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio - Monument Hotel
Lisbon

Amazing hotel. Amazing breakfast. Great steakhouse (Rib). Great location. Wonderful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Car was a little small for our group so we were cramped
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour
Portugal

It was really great as it followed the Tram 28 destinations...but I do feel like we missed quite a bit of the city. Could have been longer and cover more areas.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Helena Fernández
Helena
Helena Fernández
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on Jun 05, 2025
Hi Lisa, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent trip to Portugal. I am delighted that your trip to Portugal was amazing and that you enjoyed everything. It is wonderful to know that you would consider working with me and kimkim again. I want to sincerely apologize for any confusion or stress caused by the miscommunication regarding the travel app, detailed itinerary, and emergency contact numbers. I will ensure clearer communication for future... Read more

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent trip to Portugal.

I am delighted that your trip to Portugal was amazing and that you enjoyed everything. It is wonderful to know that you would consider working with me and kimkim again.

I want to sincerely apologize for any confusion or stress caused by the miscommunication regarding the travel app, detailed itinerary, and emergency contact numbers. I will ensure clearer communication for future travelers. I also appreciate your feedback on the Lagos hotel and the canceled excursion, and I will address these concerns with our partners.

Your insights are invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to plan your trip. I hope to assist you with another unforgettable adventure in the future.

Warm regards, 🌞
Helena Fernández